The ideal bag to bring to work isn’t always an easy find. It has to be roomy with space for your laptop/iPad/super-important presentation or papers–not to mention extra shoes, makeup, and anything else you may need. The work bag is for carrying work, and for toting along contracts. It needs to be substantial as opposed to tiny (sorry cute clutches), and it should look pretty polished. Think of Melanie Griffith’s upgrade from file folder to leather case: chic. If you follow the old adage, “You should dress for the job you want,” then put the same thought into your bag that you do your personality-driven work ensembles. We rounded up some of the best work-ready satchels and totes on the market right now. Big enough for big career dreams, these bags can take you where you want to go and won’t require a hefty raise to buy them.

Alison Baitz is a freelance fashion and culture writer. When she's not busy chatting about online shopping or rooting out cool new designers, she's interviewing up-and-coming musicians or sampling food for articles and calling it research. She's proud to be a part of the DC-based food zine The Runcible Spoon. Yes, she is on Twitter: @itsmealison.